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Elder Abuse Investigations

Understanding Elder Abuse Investigations

Though there are many benefits for a growing elderly population with a longer life expectancy, there is also an increase in situations where seniors suffer abuse and neglect from those entrusted to care for them.The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.”The most blatant cases involve physical harm inflicted by a caretaker or relative, but the elderly are also frequently victimized financially.

What prompts investigations?

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, one out of every 10 senior citizens in the United States experiences some type of abuse, but fewer than 20 percent of those cases ever get reported. Regrettably, many indications of elder abuse are similar to the mental and physical deterioration of advancing age, but a client could become suspicious if they observe:

Changes in personality or behavior

Unexplained injuries or bruises

Conflicting stories between a caregiver and a patient how an injury occurred

Frequent arguments between caregivers and patients

Patients who appear malnourished, disheveled, in need of medication or …read more